Tag: Borderline personality disorder

  • BPD and Diagnostic Limitations

    BPD and Diagnostic Limitations

    The following is just one of my short opinion pieces on the DSM… Diagnosing personality disorders in individuals who have experienced significant trauma sparks intense debate among health professionals including myself. Benefits? On one hand, some people with lived experience and therapists argue that accurate diagnoses can pave the way for effective treatments, create opportunities…

  • Partnership Agreement and BPD

    Partnership Agreement and BPD

    Building a Strong Partnership in Therapy: A Guide for Working with Someone with BPD: Part One Creating a meaningful and effective therapeutic partnership with someone diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves collaboration, clear communication, and mutual understanding. Here’s how both the therapist and the client can work together to foster trust and support throughout…

  • The Role of Trauma and Biology in BPD: Insights Uncovered

    The Role of Trauma and Biology in BPD: Insights Uncovered

    Understanding How Trauma, Environment, and Biology Contribute to Complex Trauma and BPD The symptoms associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and complex trauma can be better understood through the interplay of trauma, environmental factors, and biology. The following provides a brief overview of some of the brain structures impacted by biology, and socio, cultural, political…

  • OTs and BPD Survey Results

    OTs and BPD Survey Results

    In 2019–2020, myself and two fourth-year occupational therapy students at Monash University collaborated to create a comprehensive resource guide. This year-long project combined six months of research with six months of development and aimed to address the barriers and challenges occupational therapists face when working with individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). During the initial…

  • Building Trust Through Authentic Connections

    Building Trust Through Authentic Connections

    Clinicians are trained to take a client-centered approach, focusing on the client’s goals, values, and interests. This approach requires us to listen while creating a space where clients feel safe to share their struggles. Building rapport is the foundation for this connection. The Challenge of Sharing Patients are often expected to quickly reveal deeply personal…

  • Self Disclosure and Mental Illness

    Self Disclosure and Mental Illness

    Throughout my career I have been asked whether I have disclosed my previous diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Some questions have included: These are excellent questions that I’ve been reflecting on deeply, which has also been a valuable exercise for my own practice. Here are some strategies I’ve developed for sharing parts of your story…

  • BPD: A Diagnosis That Blames People for How Society Has Treated Them

    BPD: A Diagnosis That Blames People for How Society Has Treated Them

    ‘ve had a lot of reactions to my post where I state that “BPD is a diagnosis that blames people for how society has treated them.” This post represents my strong belief in how we are failing to support and come alongside people with BPD. I am in no way blaming the individual. In fact,…

  • A new BPD narrative

    A new BPD narrative

    Welcome back. It’s been a while. I stand here, at the edge of a new beginning, ready to embrace the discomfort of vulnerability once more. In the time since we last connected, I’ve been navigating the transformative journey of motherhood and the evolving depths of my PhD research. As I reflect on the stories I’ve…

  • Healing Through Art: A Journey of Self-Discovery

    Healing Through Art: A Journey of Self-Discovery

    Reflecting on my journey with art, I share my story of transformation and healing from chronic emptiness and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Through creativity, I’ve found acceptance and mindfulness. Join me in exploring the power of art to create spaces of self love and kindness.